The State Government is delivering $1.4 billion worth of road infrastructure projects across Central Queensland, which will support up to 1,500 jobs. This pipeline of works will also help in the State’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“Our $50 billion commitment over 4 years as part of the Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan is an important economic driver and vital in supporting jobs during these challenging times.
“That includes the pipeline of road upgrades right here in Central Queensland, including the rocky Ring Road, the largest project in the region’s history,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
The Premier added that these projects will not only support jobs in the construction sector, but the whole supply chain as well.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that Central Queensland was in line to benefit from this significant investment on major road projects.
“Seventy per cent of the workforce on the Bruce Highway upgrade north of the city is local and involves 16 local businesses.
“That guarantees income for local earthmoving and crane hire businesses, for traffic managers and landscapers, for local quarries and fencing companies,” Mr Bailey said.
Central Queensland road and transport projects – either already under construction or in planning – included in the pipeline are:
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- Works are already underway, supporting 425 jobs. Completion expected in mid-2021
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- Works already underway, supporting 187 jobs. Completion expected in early 2021
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- Final stage of works now underway
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- Works already underway, supporting 59 jobs. Completion expected in mid-2021
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- Works already underway, supporting 60 jobs. Completion expected in early 2021
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- Currently under consultation, with construction expected to begin in 2022 and will support up to 800 jobs
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- Currently under consultation
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- Pre-construction investigation to begin by September 2020, with works to support 56 jobs
- Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road upgrade
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke commenting on the Bajool-Port Alma Road upgrade and Capricorn Highway overtaking lanes projects said: “These two important road projects alone are supporting almost 120 local jobs for Central Queensland.”
“That’s 120 workers contributing to the local economy by spending money in shops and with small businesses in Rockhampton to help protect and sustain the jobs of other Central Queenslanders.”
Consultation on the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road duplication project is anticipated to begin next month and will be prioritising the delivery of the first stage of works.
“Through that process, the community will be able to nominate what section of Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road should be upgraded first.
“These projects will not only make our roads safer and help people get home sooner, they will also support Central Queensland jobs and our local economy,” Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said.
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Source: Queensland Government
